Google released an update to its Google+ app for iOS today that adds full resolution image uploads as well as some other features and tweaks. Users now have the ability to search the Google+ network from the app and add +1's to photos, You can also start new conversations with other Google+ users right from the main homescreen. Google promises that there are other performance enhancements and bug fixes throughout the app, as well. Google+ for iOS is free and can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store now. Read the full story here.

Sprint has revealed that its first devices to support 4G LTE service likely will not show up until the second half of next year, later than the mid-year launch that was earlier expected. The carrier is clear to point out that this does not represent a delay in the deployment of its forth-coming LTE network, but that earlier guidance was not as accurate as it is now. Sprint's LTE network is supposed to cover 120 million residents by the end of next year, and a total of 250 million by 2013. Sprint is facing stiff competition from Verizon Wireless and AT&T, which have already launched their LTE networks and have a number of devices on the market or soon coming to the market. The carrier has promised that it will launch 15 new LTE devices in 2012, including smartphones, tablets, and mobile hotspots. Read the full story here.

This will likely come as no surprise given the number of high-end smartphones to recently hit the $300 on-contract price point, but the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the upcoming Google Galaxy Nexus for Verizon Wireless will cost $299.99 with a new two-year contract when it launches. Other high-end smartphones from Verizon, such as the Motorola DROID RAZR and HTC Rezound, are currently priced at $299.99 as well. Unfortunately, the WSJ's sources couldn't provide an exact date as to when Verizon will actually start selling the Galaxy Nexus, other than that it will arrive some time this month. Recent rumors have pegged December 9 (this coming Friday) as a release date, so hopefully it will come sooner rather than later. Read the full story here.

Microsoft has revealed that it will not make its self-imposed "second half of 2011" launch frame for Windows Phone smartphones in China. Instead, the company will now be shooting for a launch some time in the first six months of 2012. Apparently, difficulties with localizing the OS for China have contributed to the delays. It is likely that the first phones to appear in China with Windows Phone on them will come from Huawei, ZTE, or Nokia, whenever they do decide to show up. Read the full story here.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that claim to have a radical new approach to mobile phone billing procedures that are supposed to make it easier and cheaper for consumers seem to pop up all the time. They also seem to disappear just as quickly, while the entrenched mobile network providers continue to succeed with their traditional billing methods. Ting, an MVNO that will utilize Sprint's network when it arrives next year, is the latest to promise lower bills and an easier experience for the customer. Read the full story here.

The International Trade Commission was due to rule Tuesday on HTC's appeal of its earlier ruling that found that HTC violated two of Apple's smartphone patents, but has announced that the decision has been postponed for another few days. Now, Apple and HTC will have to wait until December 14 to hear if the ruling is upheld or not. If the ITC does finally decide that HTC is in violation of Apple's patents, it could ban the sale of HTC's products in the U.S. at a time when it would be particularly damaging to HTC's business. Read the full story here.

Google has updated its Shopper app for iOS to add a couple of new features that make it easier to use the Google Offers service that was introduced in version 1.5. Version 2.0 adds the ability to purchase Google Offers or subscribe to offers from various locations right from a user's iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Google Shopper 2.0 for iOS is free and available in the iTunes App Store now. Read the full story here.

Earlier today, it was reported that HTC Flyer owners in France were receiving an update to Android 3.2 Honeycomb on their tablets. Now HTC has confirmed that the update is indeed being deployed to GSM versions of the Flyer. Along with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, the update brings the latest version of HTC's Sense interface for tablets and other performance enhancements. Users can head to the Settings app to download the update when it is made available to them. HTC says that Wi-Fi versions of the Flyer will be upgraded to Android 3.2 Honeycomb in the near future. Hopefully, EVO View 4G owners on Sprint won't have to wait too much longer for it either. Read the full story here.

Location-based social networking service Gowalla has confirmed reports from last week that it is being purchased by Facebook. As a result of the acquisition, Gowalla's services will be winding down at the end of January 2012. Putting to rest a number of concerns, the company says that Facebook is not acquiring Gowalla's data, and that it will provide a means for users to export their data, such as photos and check-ins. Gowalla did not reveal any other details or terms of the purchase in its statement. Read the full story here.

It seems that the Motorola DROID RAZR's title of "world's thinnest smartphone" is about to be expire, as Toshiba-Fujitsu has announced a new Android smartphone for the Japanese market that is even thinner than the DROID RAZR. Measuring a scant 6.7mm (0.26in) thick, the ARROWS ES IS12F will be available from Japan's KDDI in the near future. Read the full story here.

The Samsung Focus S is the second of two new Windows Phone 7.5 smartphones released by AT&T and Samsung this fall. Featuring a 4.3-inch, Super AMOLED Plus display and an 8.5mm thick frame, the Focus S is a dead ringer for the Galaxy S II Android smartphones from Samsung. Watch the video here.

Owners of the HTC Flyer Android tablet in France are reporting that the Android 3.2 Honeycomb software upgrade is hitting their tablets. The update weighs in at 210MB and bumps the version of Android from 2.3 Gingerbread up to the proper 3.2 Honeycomb for tablets. So far, it seems that it is only coming to those that have a 32GB model with both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity options. Hopefully this means that a broader roll-out of the upgrade for the Flyer isn't too far off. Read the full story here.

Sprint has announced a new set of controls for parents that make it easier for them to monitor and control their children's cellphone use. Called Sprint Mobile Controls, the new service gives parents a web dashboard with which they can quickly see all of the activity on their children's phones. Parents can see how much usage has been occurring, what phone numbers have been dialed or messaged, what apps have been downloaded, and set limits on usage and lists of numbers that can be called or messaged. Parents can also set up alerts for when a new contact is added to the phone or if it is being used during school or late night hours. Interested parents can learn more and sign up at www.sprint.com/mobilecontrols. Read the full story here.

The U.S. International Trade Commission is set to rule on the appeal of its decision that HTC violated Apple's smartphone patents tomorrow. In October, the ITC determined that HTC had in fact violated two of Apple's patents, which HTC promptly appealed. Read the full story here.

Nexus S users needing more proof of an Android 4.0 ICS update heading their way will be excited to hear word from this past weekend that Google reportedly has distributed the update to its own employees for testing, indicating that the update for the public isn't too far off. Read the full story here.

The controversy surrounding the supposed "root-kit" software from Carrier IQ that has been found on countless smartphones on the market has made its way to the government's desk in Europe, prompting an investigation by the European regulatory bodies. Carrier IQ has already faced inquisitions from U.S. lawmakers that have demanded to know more information about how the software works. Read the full story here.